November 11, 2024

How to Remove and Replace Gas Cylinder from Office Chair?

Maintaining an ergonomic workspace is important for comfortability and productivity in any office environment. Your office chair plays a critical role that supporting your body while working. But the problem is when these chairs lose their ergonomic features, such as the gas cylinder that enables height adjustment and sometimes this can be stuck that’s make the chair unusable.

remove and replace gas cylinder of office chair
remove and replace the gas cylinder of the office chair

This can be the reason for discomfort and even health issues if not addressed promptly. However, If you want to remove and replace your office chair’s gas cylinder because of ergonomic and stuck problems or any other reasons, then In this article we will guide you on step by step process.

Tools and Materials Needed

You will need some basic tools and materials to remove and replace the cylinder. These include:

  • Wrench or pliers
  • Screwdriver
  • ERGOtool (optional)
  • Replacement gas cylinder

There are various types of office chairs like Aeron chairs, executive chairs, computer chairs, and many more each with its unique mechanisms for height adjustment and tilt functionality.

Depending on the model of your chair, maybe you will need some different activities and materials. So first of all, it is essential to consult your chair’s manual for specific instructions and gather all the above tools and materials.

Preparation Activities

Before you begin the process, taking some necessary safety precautions and preparing the workspace is important. So make sure to:

  • Wear protective gear like gloves and safety glasses(If available).
  • Clean and clear the space where you are working so you have enough room to work.
  • Securely place the chair on a stable surface, such as a workbench or table.
  • If you have a chair mat, remove it to access the base of the chair easily.
  • Keep all necessary tools and materials within reach.

How to Remove the Old Gas Cylinder?

Once you have gathered all the necessary tools and materials, you can remove the old gas cylinder. We have listed some easy steps:

remove old gas cylinder

Step 1: Setup and Initial Assessment

Before starting the process, it’s important to assess the chair and cylinder so that you understand if there are any visible damages or potential issues. For this, turn the chair upside down and inspect the cylinder If there is too much damage around the cylinder and on the other components, then it is recommended to replace the entire chair rather than just the cylinder. But if there is no damage, then learn this full guide to a successful cylinder replacement.

Step 2: Detaching the Seat from the Base

The first step is to detach the chair base from the seat. Use a wrench or pliers, and remove the bolts or screws that are connecting the seat to the base. Once the seat is detached, carefully place it aside, as you will need to reattach it later.

Step 3: Removing the old gas cylinder

After detaching the seat, now you need to remove the old gas cylinder. If your office chair has a cover on the base, then first remove it, and then you can remove the gas cylinder:

  • If the cylinder is screwed on, use a wrench or pliers to unscrew it by turning it counterclockwise.
  • If the cylinder is held in place with a retaining clip, use a screwdriver to gently pry off the clip and then pull out the cylinder.
  • If the cylinder is stuck, you can use a rubber mallet or a block of wood to gently tap on the bottom of the cylinder to loosen it.

Still, If you are facing any issues and you can’t remove it or there is a jammed mechanism. In this case, you can use a specialized tool called the ERGOtool, which is specifically designed for effortless cylinder removal. Now we are going to explain this in detail.

Explanation about and How to Remove the Gas Cylinder through the ERGO Tool

The ERGOtool is a specialized tool designed to make removing gas cylinders quick and easy. It features a unique clamp that grips the cylinder and helps you to remove it without any hassle. You can purchase it from any online home improvement store. And Follow these steps:

  1. Place the ERGOtool around the cylinder and tighten the clamp.
  2. Using a wrench, turn the tool counterclockwise to loosen and remove the cylinder. (It can be a little bit difficult, so you can get help from your friend or colleague)
  3. Once the cylinder is loosened, you can easily pull it out with your hands or use pliers if needed.

Troubleshooting Common Removal Issues

Sometimes, it is too difficult to remove the old cylinder because of some problems, If you are also facing these, then here I have listed solutions:

  • Stuck or jammed cylinders: If your cylinder is stuck and won’t budge even with a wrench or pliers, you can use a lubricant like WD-40 or whatever you have that could loosen it up.
  • Broken retaining clip: If the retaining clip that holds the cylinder in place is broken, you can use a pair of vise grips to grip onto the remaining piece and pull it out.
  • Damaged threads: If the threads on your chair base or cylinder are damaged, so you might need to replace not just the cylinder but also the base or chair.

Selecting and Purchasing the Right Replacement Gas Cylinder

While choosing, It is important to check the right size gas cylinder and ensure compatibility with your chair. Follow these steps while purchasing:

gas cylinder replacement

1. Measure the old cylinder

Use a measuring tape to find the length of the old cylinder. Measure from the bottom of the cylinder to the top, (excluding any extending piston parts). Through this, you will get an idea about the right length of the new cylinder you need.

2. Check compatibility

Check the size of the mounting hole on your chair base and make sure it is compatible with the diameter of the new cylinder. Standard sizes are usually 1 inch or 2 inches. If you are unsure, you should check the specifications of your chair online.

3. Identify the diameter

Next, measure the diameter of the old cylinder. This ensures that the replacement will fit securely into the chair’s base and seat.

  • Note: if you are not familiar with measurements, take the old cylinder with you to the store so you can easily compare sizes.

If you have checked these and you are sure about the measurements then you can purchase a new cylinder that matches these dimensions.

How to Replace the New Gas Cylinder of Your Chair?

After removing and purchasing, now you are ready to install the new one, follow these easy steps:

Step 1. Clean Your Chair

Before inserting the new cylinder, ensure the chair is clean especially the base, and free of any debris. If needed, use a cloth to wipe down the area and remove all the dust and debris.

Step 2. Insert the New Cylinder

Take your new gas cylinder and insert it into the chair base, making sure it is fully seated and secure. Insert the new gas cylinder into the chair base, ensuring it is fully seated and secure. Use a rubber mallet or a block of wood to gently tap the bottom of the cylinder if necessary.

Step 3. Reattach the Seat

Once the new cylinder is in place, you can reattach the seat to the chair base by using the screws or bolts that were removed earlier, but make sure they are tight and secure. Lastly, adjust the height of your chair and test it out to make sure everything is working properly.

Tips to Maintain your Office Chair Cylinder

After successfully replacing the gas cylinder, now it is important to learn some tips so that your chair and the gas cylinder will be in good condition and usable for some years. Here we have listed some:

  • Check the screws regularly: Check the screws on the chair base and seat periodically to ensure they are tight and secure. If you find any loose screws, tighten them through a wrench.
  • Keep it clean: To keep your chair and its cylinder free of dust and debris, Wipe down your chair with a damp cloth, or you can use any furniture polish.
  • Avoid overloading: Most chairs are made for standard weight and If you are putting too much weight on it, this could cause stress on the gas cylinder.
  • Lubricate regularly: Apply lubricant to moving parts of your office chair every few months to avoid rusting and keep them functioning smoothly.
  • Replace when needed: If you notice any issues with your chair’s height adjustment, such as sinking, or difficulty in adjusting, it may be time to replace the gas cylinder. Also, if you see any signs of damage or wear and tear, then you should replace the cylinder to avoid any potential accidents.

Also Read: Fix Office Chair Leaning to One Side?

FAQs:

How to remove the cylinder from an office chair without a pipe wrench?

If you don’t have a pipe wrench, you can use the ERGOtool, specifically designed for removing and replacing office chair gas cylinders. If that is not available, you can also try using pliers or asking a friend or colleague for assistance in loosening and removing the cylinder. However, be careful to avoid any potential injury while using these methods.

What should I do if the new gas cylinder doesn’t seem to fit into the chair base?

If the new gas cylinder does not fit into the chair base, check if you have purchased the correct size and diameter. If it is the right size but still doesn’t fit, you can use a rubber mallet or block of wood to gently tap on the bottom of the cylinder until it is securely in place. If all else fails, then maybe the new cylinder is not compatible with your specific chair and you may need to consult a professional for assistance.

Conclusion

It is important to know how to remove and replace the gas cylinder on your office chair, as you have learned in this article. It is a common issue that many chair users face.

By following the steps mentioned in this guide, you can easily remove and replace the cylinder on your own. Regularly checking for any signs of wear and tear, as well as following proper installation techniques, can ensure the longevity of your office chair and gas cylinder.

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